Happy Groundhog Day!

 It was sunny this morning, so I believe the groundhog saw his shadow. The tradition forecasts how many more weeks of winter we will have. The way it is going, we're still in for a bit more! January was very chilly with a lot of stretches of bitter cold! I missed being able to take outdoor walks, as the cold often came with very windy days! 

I've been working on the Bobcat block print. After our visit from the gorgeous animal, I was inspired by the colors of the snow, the trees, and the cat itself. There was so much white to carve away, it took a long time to move onto the inking of the blue shadows. The edition is 16 prints, and I do the printing of each, by hand with a wooden spoon or a baren. 

This is the block with white areas carved out

The light blue ink applied

A light first layer

I used a stencil to block out the rest of the block when I focused on the bobcat.

This where I am now. I've printed several layers on the bobcat's body, and one layer of brown on the rest of the image. I have a few darker areas to add to the fur and eyes, as well as some variations in the branches. 

The next step will be the carving away of most of the bobcat, leaving only the darkest spots for inking.

I'll update when there is more to show! Have a good week! And stay warm!

Happy New Year!!

 Looking out the window on a rainy New Year's Day 2025. Thank goodness we had fresh snow for Christmas, which made the day even more traditionally festive! We even had a special visitor to our yard.

A Bobcat

 Attracted by the bird feeder activity

A big yawn and stretch before leaving

                                                                

I hope we will have another sighting of this beautiful animal! 

Now that the holidays are over, I will be looking for inspiration for my next printmaking project. I may try one incorporating the bobcat, as the white snow makes for a nice contrast. We have also had bluebirds at the feeders again this year, and their colors are so striking.

While I get ready to take down the Christmas tree, and put away decorations, I wish good health and happiness to all in the new year!